Beijing's most famous attractions didn't open their doors to the public until the 20th century (or even later).
Barbarians at the Gate: Beijing Calling Taipei
The Sorcerers and Soul Stealers that Terrorized Qing China
Weekend Walking with the Lamas: A Quick Guide to Visiting Yonghegong
The China History Podcast: Forbidden City
Few topics have been requested more than the Forbidden City, located in the center of the great city of Beijing. To help introduce this iconic palace complex, Laszlo invited longtime Beijing resident, Jeremiah Jenne of "Barbarians at the Gate Podcast" fame onto the CHP to discuss the history of the Forbidden City from its construction in the Ming Dynasty up to the present day.
Barbarians at the Gate: The Destruction of the Yuanmingyuan (One from the Vault)
Story of the 'Jing: What's the Deal With the Old Red Gate on Ghost Street?
Barbarians at the Gate: It's a Matter of Trust
Story of the 'Jing: Just How Old is the City of Beijing?
Barbarians at the Gate: Writing about China for the World with Hatty Liu
Weekend Walk: The Confucian Temple and the Imperial Academy
Story of the 'Jing: Legends and Myths of Jingshan Park
China Sports Insider Podcast: Jeremiah Jenne on the NBA finals and being a Boston sports fan in China
Barbarians at the Gate: Ideology and Education in China with Jiang Xueqin
Barbarians at the Gate: Understanding China's Nationalism with Peter Gries
Story of the 'Jing: What's Behind the Name "Summer Palace"?
The Summer Palace in Beijing and its neighbor, the Old Summer Palace, are two of the city’s most beloved parks, but the English names for these popular attractions are a little more simplistic than their Chinese variations. The terms most commonly used in Chinese, 颐和园 yiheyuan for the Summer Palace, and 圆明园 yuanmingyuan for the Old Summer Palace, are a bit clearer, and it’s worth noting that nothing in the Chinese names references the relative age or seasonal preference.
Literary Strolls through Old Peking
Despite the holiday and the beautiful weather this weekend, it might not be the best time for exploring the city. Walking tours and entertainment venues are on Covid hiatus, and most parks and historic sites require a 48-hour test result to even walk through the front gate. But Covid can’t stop the history enthusiast or the intellectually curious from wandering old Peking from the comfort of our couch.
Lockdown 2: Shacked up in Shanghai with historian Andrew Field
Weekend Walk: In the Footsteps of the Emperor
The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s largest – and liveliest – spaces for a weekend walk, particularly in spring. The surrounding park is over three times the size of the Forbidden City, making it the perfect place to visit on those holiday weekends when the Palace Museum and other popular destinations will be heaving with visitors.
